Liverpool target M’baye Niang has arrived in London ahead of a loan move to Watford, according to reports
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Niang has agreed a move to English Premier League side Watford and has arrived in London to finalise the deal. They state that a deal was struck between Niang, Watford and AC Milan yesterday.
They report that Watford will pay Milan a loan fee of €500,000 and will have an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season for a fee of €18 million. This marks a disappointing end to Niang’s spell with Milan.
Niang was considered one of the most promising prospects in the world at one point and even confirmed that the rejected offers from Arsenal and Everton in order to join the Rossoneri even after Caen had accepted those bids.
Having joined Milan in 2012, Niang has proven to be a frustrating figure for AC Milan fans with his inconsistency and lack of progress. Milan even tried loaning him out first to Montpellier and then to Genoa in the hopes that regular football at a different club would help the Frenchman, but this has not proven to be the case.
Niang is undoubtedly a talented footballer. He has all the attributes needed to succeed at the top level with great pace, power and technical ability. However the mental side of his game as well as his commitment have come into question over time at Milan.
Such is his talent that despite his failed spell with Milan, many clubs including Everton, West Ham and Crystal Palace were interested in signing the youngster. It was also reported that Liverpool had joined the race to sign Niang with Klopp said to be an admirer of the Frenchman.
Niang would have benefited under Jurgen Klopp who has a good history of nurturing young players. A loan would have suited both parties given Liverpool need depth in the position Niang specialises in, however it appears that the move to Liverpool is definitely off.
Niang’s time at AC Milan is almost certainly at an end and Watford will likely make the deal permanent if he can impress the Premier League side.
